Location: Charlevoix
Top Things to do in Charlevoix
Top 10 Things to do in Charlevoix, United States
Charlevoix (/ˈʃɑːrləvɔɪ/ SHARL-ə-voy) is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,513 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Charlevoix County.
Restaurants in Charlevoix
1. Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
We offer a spectacular GEM car tour of all 28 of these magical structures. You can also visit the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce to pick up a map and do a self guided tour.
Reviewed By Bev L
We were in the area for a fall color tour & say The Mushroom house tour on Trip Advisor so we thought, 'Why not, top thing to do'. All the tours were full but we were told we could be penciled in for the 2:00p tour. Changed our plans to get a nice lunch & grabbed a quick sandwich to be back in time for the tour.
Sadly, the 2:00 tour was 'private' & we could not go. They were very nice about it, gave out dog a treat, but we were disappointed. Could have waited until 3:00 but.... we just drove by them on our own.
Will try again next time.
2. Castle Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Open year round, Castle Farms is one of Northern Michigan's top historic attractions, as well as one of the Midwest's premier wedding venues. Visitors can stroll throughout the magnificent stone buildings dating back to 1918, and enjoy gorgeous gardens. A variety of museum quality collections featuring castles, antique toys, and royalty memorabilia from around the world are displayed throughout the buildings. The Castle's 1918 Museum showcases items from that time era, plus World War I memorabilia. Children delight in feeding the huge rainbow trout swimming in the Reflection Pond, playing a game of giant chess, or hide-and-seek with the fairies and gnomes dwelling in the Enchanted Forest. Our Self-Guided Tours offer Scavenger Hunt tours for children, too! Everyone loves The Castle's Garden Railroad; with more than 1/2 mile of track and 68 G-scale trains, it's one of the largest in the State. Listed on both the National and State Historic Registries, Castle Farms is a world-class historic property where old world charm and modern-day elegance enchant visitors of all ages.
Reviewed By SherryRR - Kalamazoo, Michigan
I have lived in Michigan for over 30 years and been to Charlevoix several times, but I had never heard of the Castle Farm. It's right on Route 66 just outside the city. In 1918, the acting president of Sears decided to build a Tuscan-style castle on the property he bought to test farm equipment sold in the Sears catalog. It is immense and beautiful and the lower floor and the grounds can be visited in a self-guided tour. The field from the farm's baseball team is still there. The castle was sold some time ago and became a venue for concerts--about every name you can think of played their to huge crowds. Then, it came up for auction and the woman who had wanted it for years bought it and completely restored it with gardens and fountains and rooms galore which contain all sorts of antique memoribila collections, including everything she has been able to find from the 1918 Sears catalog. A dragon from Grand Rapids Art Prize was purchased for the grounds. It was a nice fall day and we were able to spend a couple of leisurely hours looking around. There are probably a dozen rooms set up for events, like wedding receptions, so the original decor is not evident, but there is still much to see.
3. Fisherman's Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Marian P - Clawson, Michigan
Lots of rocks. Searched for some petoskey and charlevoix stones. Not too sure I found any but still had a nice time walking along the shore and seeing crawfish that came in with the waves
4. Michigan Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By adrianna24sings - Los Angeles, California
I stumbled across this park for the first time out of my six visits to Charlevoix. An absolutely wonderful place to spend a few hours enjoying the tranquil beach. Lots of soft sand, plenty of beach front to walk on and a very refreshing swim in Lake Michigan.
There's an East Coast U.S.A. feel to this beach almost like being in upstate New York or Vermont. I'm so glad to have discovered Michigan Beach Park. A treasure of a place that everyone can enjoy. There's places to eat nearby too. A perfect place on a warm summer day.
5. John Cross Fisheries
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By kdaniels78 - Saint Louis, Missouri
Added this to our list of Charlevoix must-see places on the recommendation of TripAdvisor. Purchased smoked whitefish dip, smoked whitefish, and smoked whitefish pepperoni. We've been really happy with all three, especially the smoked whitefish (added it to a tomato pasta). I noticed the fishery's products on a few local menus as well, so it's clear that the fish is highly regarded in the restaurant community. I'm taking off one star for the storefront, though...it smelled overly fishy inside the market, so we didn't linger as long as we'd hoped. And the service was slightly aloof, too...could have been a fluke. But please overlook these points and focus on the fish. You will not be disappointed!
6. Charlevoix South Pier Light Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Brian J - Wixom, Michigan
I've been here many times and it's always a nice walk, albeit usually a bit windy, out to the light station and the pier. It's adjacent to a public beach that gets a little busy in the warmer months and just a short walk away from downtown Charlevoix which boasts many, MANY, restaurants, shops, and sightseeing chances.
There is parking near the beach with sidewalk that leads out to the pier. Otherwise, you can park in the downtown area and walk along the channel to get to the pier. Boats come in and out and the drawbridge in the channel opens every half-hour I believe.
7. Boulder Manor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
This house showcases Young's signature use of stones in a blend of practicality and fantasy.
Reviewed By jrm167 - Petoskey,Michigan
This is a private house but has been said before I believe it is for sale or rent. I've been fortunate enough to have been inside and the living room is incredible. Gorgeous fireplace, indirect lighting behind rocks and a great view. Very hard to describe but stunning. The whole house is so unique. Behind the actual house is a wonderful stone playhouse which is very cool. All of the Earl Young houses are fascinating and a must see if you're in the area. Once again a private residence but if it is for rent it would make a great vacation.
8. North Point Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By EricEide55 - Charlevoix, Michigan
North Point is minutes away from our home near the Mt McSaba ski park. Stunning views of Lake Mi, dunes and forest trails good for a couple of hrs of hiking or snow shoeing. Sledding hill and ice rink are available to visit during your hike.
We hit the area at least once a week with our dogs year round, although the bitter cold has curtailed the frequency of visits this season.
There are numerous hiking oppertunities in the area and worth the time to visit.
9. East Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By tymetraveler222 - Bay City, Michigan
This lovely park has greatly improved over the past few years. It has lovely wide brick walkways, new picnic spots, the marina has been cleaned up. Lots of new landscaping, thick, green well kept grass. Great place to watch the boat traffic on the Pine River, with the bridge up. Fountains are lovely. Parking nearby on the street or parking lots.
10. Charlevoix Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Through exhibits, programs, tours, and special events, The Charlevoix Historical Society celebrates Charlevoix’s history with visitors and residents alike. In addition to the museum, The Society has also restored the historic Train Depot and South Pier Lighthouse.
Reviewed By Cmkastanek - Grand Rapids, Michigan
The museum is located inside an old house. A $1 donation is all that is needed for admission. They are currently in the process of making a larger exhibit downstairs. The curator was very friendly, and is a Charlevoix history buff. My wife and I learned a lot about Charlevoix and the surrounding area from him and made our trip more memorable.
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